Published: 20/02/2015
Tuesday February 3 2015. For immediate release
COPELAND Council is the first in Cumbria to train every single staff member to be able to spot the signs that could mean a child is at risk.
Front line staff who have contact with families have always been trained in this, however this is the first time the whole organisation has undergone the training.
Coun Hugh Branney, portfolio holder for children and young people, said: “The safety of children is an absolute priority for us and we are very keen that the whole organisation, rather than some departments, has that at the front of their mind at all times.”
The training involves learning how to spot potential risks relating to children, which signs should be of concern, and how to pass those concerns on to the right people.
Coun Branney added: “We believe all children, young people and vulnerable adults have a right to be safe and protected. This training and the policies that underpin it are part of meeting both a moral commitment and our responsibilities in law. We will also make sure all staff, councillors and contractors are vetted, appropriate to their role.”
The council-wide training is coupled with its safeguarding policy. This document – which can be read here sets out the council’s commitment to:
• safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults;
• reassuring residents that staff and councillors are trained to deal with concerns raised; and
• making sure the partners the council works with are also aware of these issues.
In the future all Copeland staff will also be trained in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults.
Safeguarding means:
• protecting children from maltreatment,
• preventing impairment of children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care
• enabling children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully
• protecting vulnerable adults from harm
You can read our adults safeguarding policy here.
You can read our childrens safeguarding policy here.
